Vocational education across the U.S. has been undergoing changes over the last few years. Industry is becoming more involved in education. Companies are partnering with schools to align programs to meet their needs. Aldine ISD is helping shape that future with Blanson CTEHS. Students will have a chance to earn valuable college credits while still in high school. This combination helps high school graduates become more employable.

Workers are busy constructing Blanson CTEHS. The campus is located at 311 West Road (Houston 77038).

Blanson Career and Technical Education High School’s design is unique and modern. The challenge was to create flexible learning environments. These needed to support the skills necessary for competitive careers. The multimillion–dollar, state–of–the–artcampus is currently under construction. When it opens, it will be one of the most innovative career and technical learning centers in the area.

Career Education With the Future Employer in Mind

In today’s economy, only 34 percent of jobs in the economy require a high school diploma or less. According to the U.S. Department of Education, future economies will need highly skilled workers. They will need to have strong academic foundation skills. And they will need considerable technical knowledge and skills. On top of that, they must have well-developed employability skills and attributes.

“The programs at Blanson CTE High School evolved from industry research,” said Principal Ben Ibarra. “We also looked at labor market data and took input from business partners. The goal is to train future workers who will close the skills gap in industry.

“These are fields that are in high demand now and have a growing demand in the future job market. Currently, there is a skilled worker shortage. An aging population is reducing the labor force. Companies are looking for talented, skilled workers to fill these needs.”

Deloris Golden, lead counselor at the campus, stated that students would receive specialized, practical experience in the classrooms and labs.

Click to learn how CTE programs prepare students for their future.

They will also receive hands-on training through internships. Staff will also work to develop students’ soft skills like communication, creativity, attitude and problem solving.

This high school teaches 17 different trades and provides real-world learning spaces. Graduates will leave with a specific skill such as machining, dental assistant, physical therapy assistant or construction. And most importantly, the programs will put students on a direct path to the middle class. The CTE programs also target STEM fields such as engineering and technology.

Nicole Theunissen, coordinator of campus and student initiatives, shared that students will be encouraged to pursue licenses and certifications. These will increase graduates’ employability and chances to land great jobs. However, Theunissen added that graduates should think long-term about their careers. With more training and education, they will further increase their opportunities in all kinds of careers. Individuals can potentially earn $40,000 to $60,000 annually within two years of training.

If a student has a particular interest in a career field offered at Blanson CTEHS, they should apply. This opportunity will give them an advantage.

Principal Ben Ibarra (far left) talks with students.

“Our graduates will be able to compete for those in–demand jobs. These fields offer opportunities here in Houston, across the U.S. and around the world,” said Ibarra.

“Our staff and partners will work to inspire students to achieve excellence.

“The goal is to keep Blanson CTE High School at the cutting edge of education and to ensure that the education we deliver to our students gives them the competitive advantage that they need to succeed in today‘s rapidly changing economy.

“Know that when you leave with your high school diploma, you will also leave knowing you possess the 21st century skills that will make you immediately marketable, immediately employable, and immediately desirable to college admissions officers and industry professionals alike.”

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ALDINE ISD STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

It is the policy of Aldine ISD not to discriminate or engage in harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or any other legally protected status in its educational and vocational programs, services or activities or matters related to employment as required by Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Age Discrimination in Employment Act; Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.